So, if you’re thinking about studying a course in architecture, why not take a look at our top 5 list of inspirational buildings (and the architects behind them, of course)...

1. Taj Mahal, India

About: Built between 1632 and 1653, the Taj Mahal is a marble mausoleum commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal who died during child birth. The commemorative tomb is considered to be one of the 7 Wonders of the World and the white dome is one of the most iconic symbols of India.

The structure is inspired by traditional Persian and Mughal architecture. White marble was inlaid with semi-precious gems in order to achieve a refined and luxurious aesthetic which symbolised the strength of the Emperor’s grief for his wife.

Architect: Ustad Armhan Lahauri

2. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

About: The Great Pyramid of Giza was, for 3,800 years, the tallest man-made structure in the world. Today it does not retain this title, but the building is still one of the oldest constructions on earth.

Built between 2560 – 2540 BC, the Pyramid was created by dragging and rolling large stones from a quarry and lifting them into place. It is believed that The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu and is the only pyramid that has ascending and descending passages.

Architect: Vizier Hemon (unconfirmed)

3. Sagrada Familia

About: Located in Barcelona, Sagrada Familia is already considered to be an architectural masterpiece, even though it is over 10 years away from completion. Designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, the cathedral is situated in the heart of Barcelona and is unique in that it was only 15% complete at the time of Gaudi’s death in 1926.

Geometric principles of design are at the heart of the construction, and Gaudi’s designs were considered to be very much ahead of his time. However, the building of Sagrada Familia, which commenced in 1882, has taken over 130 years to build and is expected to be finished in 2026 – a fitting tribute marking 100 years since the architect’s demise.

Architect: Antoni Gaudi

4. The Eiffel Tower

About: Located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and is an iron lattice structure that for 41 years held the title of being the world’s tallest building (1889 – 1930). When it was initially constructed it was considered to be an eyesore by the inhabitants of Paris, and a campaign was launched describing it as “a giddy, ridiculous tower dominating Paris like a gigantic black smokestack ... [we] protest with all our strength, with all our indignation, in the name of slighted French taste.”

Obviously not everyone agreed, though, as to date the Eiffel tower has received over 200,000,000 guests and remains one of the most iconic structures in Western Europe. Take that, 19th Century Parisian Campaigners.

Architect: Maustave Koechlin and Gustave Eiffel

5. Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower (formerly Clock Tower)

About: London’s clock tower is not the first of its kind to be built on the grounds of Westminster Palace. The original clock tower was built in 1288 – 1290 during the reign of Edward I, but this was rebuilt in 1367 to produce the first public chiming clock.

The current clock tower was recently named Elizabeth Tower after Queen Elizabeth II in honour of her Diamond Jubilee. The tower and clock (known as Big Ben) were not initially part of the architect’s plans for the redesign of Westminster Palace in 1934, but were actually added two years later.

Materials for the tower came from all over the UK and include Cornish granite, Yorkshire stone and Birmingham Iron, all of which was transported to the site on boats on the River Thames.